six sided figure crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "six sided figure", helping you conquer your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "six sided figure crossword clue" by Letter Count
Below are the most fitting answers for the clue "six sided figure", categorized by the number of letters. This makes it easy to find the exact word you need, no matter the puzzle!
7 Letters
HEXAGON: A polygon defined by having exactly six straight sides and six angles. It is the most common and direct answer for this clue in crosswords.
More About "six sided figure crossword clue"
The term "six sided figure" almost exclusively points to one geometric shape: the hexagon. Derived from Greek roots, 'hex' meaning six and 'gonia' meaning angle, a hexagon is a polygon with six edges and six vertices. While a regular hexagon, with all sides and angles equal, is frequently seen in nature and design (like honeycombs or nuts on bolts), it's important to remember that hexagons can also be irregular, having sides and angles of varying measures.
In crosswords, clues related to geometric shapes like this are quite common. Understanding basic geometric terminology can give you a significant edge. Whenever you encounter a clue describing a figure by its number of sides, think of the corresponding '-gon' term. For instance, 'three-sided' is a triangle, 'four-sided' is a quadrilateral, and so on.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of blank spaces provided in the puzzle. This is the quickest way to narrow down potential answers for geometric clues like "six sided figure".
- Consider Variations: While "HEXAGON" is the primary answer, sometimes puzzles might look for related terms or less common synonyms if the letter count doesn't match. However, for "six sided figure", HEXAGON is almost always the target.
- Contextual Clues: Look for any accompanying words in the clue or surrounding completed words in the puzzle. These can provide context, such as if the puzzle hints at a specific type of hexagon (e.g., "Regular six-sided figure").
- Think Etymology: Many geometric terms, including 'hexagon', have Greek or Latin roots. Knowing these prefixes (like 'hex-' for six, 'oct-' for eight, 'pent-' for five) can help you deduce answers for shape-related clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the etymology of 'hexagon'?
The word "hexagon" comes from the Greek words 'hex' (meaning six) and 'gonia' (meaning angle or corner). This etymology perfectly describes the shape as a figure with six angles, and consequently, six sides.
Can a six-sided figure be concave?
Yes, a hexagon (six-sided figure) can indeed be concave. A concave polygon is one where at least one interior angle is greater than 180 degrees, causing at least one part of the polygon to 'point inwards'. A regular hexagon is always convex, but irregular hexagons can be concave.
What are real-world examples of hexagons?
Hexagons are surprisingly common in the real world. Excellent examples include the cells of a honeycomb, the shape of many nuts and bolts, the pattern on a classic soccer ball (when viewed closely, it contains both pentagons and hexagons), and the famous hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.